A nurse on the labor and delivery unit is caring for a patient who is having induction of labor with oxytocin administered through a secondary IV line. Uterine contractions occur every 2 minutes, last 90 seconds each, and are strong to palpation. The baseline fetal heart rate is 150/min, with uniform decelerations beginning at the peak of the contraction, nadir after the peak of the contraction, and a return to baseline after the contraction is over.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Increase the rate of infusion of the IV oxytocin.
Decrease the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution.
Discontinue the infusion of the IV oxytocin.
Slow the client's rate of breathing.
Slow the client's rate of breathing.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Increasing the rate of infusion of IV oxytocin in the presence of abnormal fetal heart rate decelerations is contraindicated. It may exacerbate uterine hyperstimulation, further compromising fetal oxygenation.
Choice B rationale
Decreasing the rate of infusion of the maintenance IV solution will not address the issue of uterine hyperstimulation or abnormal fetal heart rate decelerations. The focus should be on managing oxytocin administration.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the infusion of IV oxytocin is appropriate due to uterine tachysystole and associated fetal heart rate decelerations. This helps reduce uterine contractions and allows for fetal recovery, improving oxygenation.
Choice D rationale
Slowing the client's rate of breathing is not related to managing uterine contractions or fetal heart rate decelerations. The intervention should directly address the cause of the decelerations, which is oxytocin-induced hyperstimulation. .
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Acknowledging the client’s feelings provides emotional support and validates her experience. This response opens the door for further discussion and support, which is crucial for emotional well-being.
Choice B rationale
Suggesting future possibilities does not address the client's current emotional state. It may come across as dismissive of her feelings and does not offer the immediate support she needs.
Choice C rationale
While emphasizing the health of the baby is positive, it can also be perceived as dismissive of the client's feelings and her disappointment about the birth experience.
Choice D rationale
Mentioning the resumption of sexual relations shifts the focus away from her emotional needs and can be inappropriate or insensitive in this context, failing to address her disappointment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Methylergonovine (Methergine) is contraindicated in clients with hypertension because it can cause severe hypertension by increasing vascular resistance, leading to potential complications such as stroke.
Choice B rationale
Oxytocin (Pitocin) is used to induce labor and control postpartum hemorrhage and does not significantly increase blood pressure, making it safe for use in hypertensive patients.
Choice C rationale
Carboprost (Hemabate) is used to control severe postpartum hemorrhage and does not have significant effects on blood pressure. It is generally safe for hypertensive patients.
Choice D rationale
Misoprostol (Cytotec) is used for postpartum hemorrhage management and does not significantly affect blood pressure, making it safe for hypertensive patients.